Revolver bypass valve

ABSTRACT

A bypass valve includes a base defining a base sealing surface, the base defining a upstream utility bore, a downstream utility bore, a meter inlet bore, and a meter outlet bore each extending into the base sealing surface; and a selector defining a selector sealing surface positioned in sealing engagement with the base sealing surface, the selector defining a primary passage and a secondary passage, the selector defining at least one primary passage bore extending into the selector sealing surface and connecting in fluid communication with the primary passage, the selector defining at least one secondary passage bore extending into the selector sealing surface and connecting in fluid communication with the secondary passage, the selector being rotatable relative to the base about and between a meter position and a bypass position, the selector connecting the upstream utility bore in fluid communication with the meter inlet bore in the meter position.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to valves. More specifically, this disclosurerelates to a bypass valve for utility meters.

BACKGROUND

In many areas, public utilities pipe various fluids directly to homes,businesses, and other establishments. Common utility fluids includeliquids, such as water, and gases, such as natural gas. These fluids arecommonly distributed by large infrastructure networks, and a meter ispositioned at each point of consumption, such as a home, business, orother establishment, to monitor how much the location consumes. Themeters are commonly positioned directly inline on branched piping comingoff of a main infrastructure pipeline.

If an inline meter needs to be taken out of service for any reason, theutility flow to the point of consumption must be interrupted while themeter is physically disconnected from the upstream and downstreampiping. During this period, the affected point of consumption will nothave access to the utility product carried by that line. Disruptingservice of a natural gas line also poses additional problems. Manygas-powered appliances, such as water heaters or fire places, have apilot light that stays on at all times during normal operation. If theflow of natural gas is disrupted to the point of consumption, the pilotlights will go out. If the flow of natural gas is resumed to the pointof consumption and the pilot light is not turned off or relit, naturalgas will flow out of the appliance through the unlit pilot light, andthe natural gas can accumulate indoors. This accumulation of gas cancause fire and explosion risks. Accordingly, the flow of natural gas tothe point of consumption cannot be cut off and later resumed withouthaving access to the appliances indoors, which can make the servicing ofutility meters difficult to plan for utility companies because they mustcoordinate with the customer to provide access to the affectedappliances.

SUMMARY

It is to be understood that this summary is not an extensive overview ofthe disclosure. This summary is exemplary and not restrictive, and it isintended to neither identify key or critical elements of the disclosurenor delineate the scope thereof. The sole purpose of this summary is toexplain and exemplify certain concepts of the disclosure as anintroduction to the following complete and extensive detaileddescription.

Disclosed is a bypass valve comprising a base defining a base sealingsurface, the base defining a upstream utility bore, a downstream utilitybore, a meter inlet bore, and a meter outlet bore each extending intothe base sealing surface; and a selector defining a selector sealingsurface positioned in sealing engagement with the base sealing surface,the selector defining a primary passage and a secondary passage, theselector defining at least one primary passage bore extending into theselector sealing surface and connecting in fluid communication with theprimary passage, the selector defining at least one secondary passagebore extending into the selector sealing surface and connecting in fluidcommunication with the secondary passage, the selector being rotatablerelative to the base about and between a meter position and a bypassposition, the selector connecting the upstream utility bore in fluidcommunication with the meter inlet bore in the meter position, theselector connecting the upstream utility bore in fluid communicationwith the downstream utility bore in the bypass position.

Also disclosed is a utility metering system comprising an upstreamutility line; a downstream utility line; a meter comprising a meterinlet and a meter outlet, the meter configured to measure a fluid flowthrough the meter; and a bypass valve comprising a base defining a basesealing surface, the base defining a upstream utility bore, a downstreamutility bore, a meter inlet bore, and a meter outlet bore each extendinginto the base sealing surface, the upstream utility bore connected influid communication with the upstream utility line, the downstreamutility bore connected in fluid communication with the downstreamutility line, the meter inlet bore connected in fluid communication withthe meter inlet, the meter outlet bore connected in fluid communicationwith the meter outlet; and a selector defining a selector sealingsurface positioned in sealing engagement with the base sealing surface,the selector defining a primary passage and a secondary passage, theselector defining at least one primary passage bore extending into theselector sealing surface and connecting in fluid communication with theprimary passage, the selector defining at least one secondary passagebore extending into the selector sealing surface and connecting in fluidcommunication with the secondary passage, the selector being rotatablerelative to the base about and between a meter position and a bypassposition, the selector connecting the upstream utility bore in fluidcommunication with the meter inlet bore in the meter position, theselector connecting the upstream utility bore in fluid communicationwith the downstream utility bore in the bypass position.

Also disclosed is a method for routing a fluid flow through a utilitymetering system comprising positioning a selector of a bypass valve in ametering position, an upstream utility line of the utility meteringsystem connected in fluid communication with an upstream utility boredefined by a base of the bypass valve, a downstream utility line of theutility metering system connected in fluid communication with adownstream utility bore defined by the base, a meter inlet of a meter ofthe utility metering system connected in fluid communication with ameter inlet bore defined by the base, a meter outlet of the meter of theutility metering system connected in fluid communication with a meteroutlet bore defined by the base, the selector defining a primary passageand a secondary passage, the primary passage connecting the upstreamutility bore in fluid communication with the meter inlet bore in themetering position, the secondary passage connecting the downstreamutility bore in fluid communication with the meter outlet bore in themetering position, a fluid flow passing from the upstream utility linethrough the meter to the downstream utility line in the meteringposition; and rotating the selector relative to the base to position theselector in a bypass position, the secondary passage connecting theupstream utility bore in fluid communication with the downstream utilitybore in the bypass position, the fluid flow passing from the upstreamutility bore to the downstream utility bore and bypassing the meter inthe bypass position.

Various implementations described in the present disclosure may includeadditional systems, methods, features, and advantages, which may notnecessarily be expressly disclosed herein but will be apparent to one ofordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following detaileddescription and accompanying drawings. It is intended that all suchsystems, methods, features, and advantages be included within thepresent disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims. Thefeatures and advantages of such implementations may be realized andobtained by means of the systems, methods, features particularly pointedout in the appended claims. These and other features will become morefully apparent from the following description and appended claims, ormay be learned by the practice of such exemplary implementations as setforth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and components of the following figures are illustrated toemphasize the general principles of the present disclosure. The drawingsare not necessarily drawn to scale. Corresponding features andcomponents throughout the figures may be designated by matchingreference characters for the sake of consistency and clarity.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a utility metering system comprising a bypassvalve, an upstream utility line, a downstream utility line, and autility meter in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bypass valve of FIG. 1 comprising abase and a selector member.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the base of FIG. 2 of the bypass valve of FIG.1 .

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the base of FIG. 2 of the bypassvalve of FIG. 1 , taken along line 4-4 shown in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective front view of the bypass valve of FIG.1 .

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective rear view of the bypass valve of FIG.1 .

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the utility metering system of FIG.1 , taken along line 7-7 shown in FIG. 2 , with the bypass valve in abypass configuration.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the utility metering system of FIG.1 , taken along line 7-7 shown in FIG. 2 , with the bypass valve in ameter configuration.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the utility metering system of FIG.1 , taken along line 7-7 shown in FIG. 2 , with the bypass valve in ashutoff configuration.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another aspect of a bypass valve inaccordance with another aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the bypass valve of FIG. 10 .

FIG. 12 is a front view of a meter utility system comprising the bypassvalve of FIG. 10 , with the bypass valve shown in cross-section alongline 12-12 of FIG. 10 in a meter configuration in accordance withanother aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a front view of the meter utility system of FIG. 12 , withthe bypass valve of FIG. 10 shown in cross-section along line 12-12 ofFIG. 10 in a bypass configuration.

FIG. 14 is a front view of the meter utility system of FIG. 12 , withthe bypass valve of FIG. 10 shown in cross-section along line 12-12 ofFIG. 10 in a shutoff configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference tothe following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, andthe previous and following description. However, before the presentdevices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is tobe understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specificdevices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified,and, as such, can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that theterminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularaspects only and is not intended to be limiting.

The following description is provided as an enabling teaching of thepresent devices, systems, and/or methods in its best, currently knownaspect. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognizeand appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects ofthe present devices, systems, and/or methods described herein, whilestill obtaining the beneficial results of the present disclosure. Itwill also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the presentdisclosure can be obtained by selecting some of the features of thepresent disclosure without utilizing other features. Accordingly, thosewho work in the art will recognize that many modifications andadaptations to the present disclosure are possible and can even bedesirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the presentdisclosure. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrativeof the principles of the present disclosure and not in limitationthereof.

As used throughout, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” includeplural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus,for example, reference to “an element” can include two or more suchelements unless the context indicates otherwise.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value,and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range isexpressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/orto the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed asapproximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understoodthat the particular value forms another aspect. It will be furtherunderstood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant bothin relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the otherendpoint.

For purposes of the current disclosure, a material property or dimensionmeasuring about X or substantially X on a particular measurement scalemeasures within a range between X plus an industry-standard uppertolerance for the specified measurement and X minus an industry-standardlower tolerance for the specified measurement. Because tolerances canvary between different materials, processes and between differentmodels, the tolerance for a particular measurement of a particularcomponent can fall within a range of tolerances.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that thesubsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, andthat the description includes instances where said event or circumstanceoccurs and instances where it does not.

The word “or” as used herein means any one member of a particular listand also includes any combination of members of that list. Further, oneshould note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,”“could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, orotherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intendedto convey that certain aspects include, while other aspects do notinclude, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditionallanguage is not generally intended to imply that features, elementsand/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular aspectsor that one or more particular aspects necessarily include logic fordeciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether thesefeatures, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed inany particular aspect.

Disclosed are components that can be used to perform the disclosedmethods and systems. These and other components are disclosed herein,and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions,groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specificreference of each various individual and collective combinations andpermutation of these may not be explicitly disclosed, each isspecifically contemplated and described herein, for all methods andsystems. This applies to all aspects of this application including, butnot limited to, steps in disclosed methods. Thus, if there are a varietyof additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each ofthese additional steps can be performed with any specific aspect orcombination of aspects of the disclosed methods.

Disclosed is a utility metering system and associated methods, systems,devices, and various apparatus. The utility metering system can comprisea bypass valve, an upstream utility line, a downstream utility line, anda utility meter. It would be understood by one of skill in the art thatthe disclosed utility metering system is described in but a fewexemplary embodiments among many. No particular terminology ordescription should be considered limiting on the disclosure or the scopeof any claims issuing therefrom.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a utility metering system 100 comprising abypass valve 110, an upstream utility line 190, a downstream utilityline 192, and a utility meter 194.

The bypass valve 110 can comprise a base 112 and a selector member 124that can be rotated relative to the base 112 to re-route flow of a fluid(represented by arrows in FIGS. 7-9 ) through the bypass valve 110. Inthe present aspect, the selector member 124 can be a selector lever 124.The base 112 can define an upstream utility connector 114, a meter inletconnector 116, a downstream utility connector 118, and a meter outletconnector 120, each extending outwards from a central body portion 122of the base 112. The upstream utility connector 114 can be coupled tothe upstream utility line 190. The meter inlet connector 116 can becoupled to an inlet 196 of the meter 194. The meter outlet connector 120can be coupled to an outlet 198 of the meter 194. The downstream utilityconnector 118 can be coupled to the downstream utility line 192.

In the present aspect, the connectors 114,116,118,120 can be hard lines.In some aspects, the connectors 114,116,118,120 can be integrally formedwith the base 112. For example and without limitation, the base 112 canbe a casting, and some or all of each connector 114,116,118,120 can bedefined by the casting. In some aspects, some or all of the connectors114,116,118,120 can comprise one or more pipe or tubing fittings coupledto the base 112 and/or one another to form the respective connectors114,116,118,120. In some aspects, some or all of the connectors114,116,118,120 can be flexible lines, and those of the connectors114,116,118,120 that are flexible can be at least partially defined by aflexible member, such as a hose or soft tubing.

The upstream utility line 190 can carry a fluid, such as natural gas,propane, water, or any other liquid or gas, and the fluid can flow fromthe upstream utility line 190 to the bypass valve 110. As described ingreater detail below, the selector lever 124 can be rotated relative tothe base 112 about a rotational axis 101 (shown extending out of thepage in the present view) of the base 112 to selectively reconfigure thebypass valve 110 about and between a bypass configuration (shown), ameter configuration (shown in FIG. 8 ), and a shutoff configuration(shown in FIG. 9 ).

In the bypass configuration, the fluid can flow directly from theupstream utility line 190 and through the bypass valve 110 to thedownstream utility line 192. In the meter configuration, the fluid canflow from the upstream utility line 190 through the bypass valve 110 tothe meter 194 via the meter inlet connector 116, through the meter 194to the bypass valve 110 via the meter outlet connector 120, and thenthrough the bypass valve 110 to the downstream utility line 192. In theshutoff configuration, the fluid can flow from the upstream utility line190 to the bypass valve 110 where the flow of the fluid can be blockedwithin the bypass valve 110.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bypass valve 110 of FIG. 1 . Theselector lever 124 can define a locking hole 224. The central bodyportion 122 of the base 112 can define a perimeter surface 212 extendingaround the central body portion 122 between a front end 211 of thecentral body portion 122 and a back end 213 of the central body portion122. In the present aspect, the perimeter surface 212 can define asubstantially hexagonal cross-sectional shape. The perimeter surface 212can define a first locking notch 210 a, a second locking notch 210 b,and a third locking notch 210 c. In the present aspect, the lockingnotches 210 a,b,c, can be semi-cylindrical grooves; however, in otheraspects, the locking notches 210 a,b,c can be grooves of a differentshape.

The locking hole 224 can align with the first locking notch 210 a whenthe bypass valve 110 is in the bypass configuration. The locking hole224 can align with the second locking notch 210 b when the bypass valve110 is in the meter configuration. The locking hole 224 can align withthe third locking notch 210 c when the bypass valve 110 is in theshutoff configuration. A lock, such as a common barrel lock (not shown),can be secured through the locking hole 224 and engage the respectivelocking notch 210 a,b,c to prevent rotation of the selector lever 124about the rotational axis 101 relative to the base 112, thereby securingthe bypass valve 110 in the selected configuration and preventingunauthorized reconfiguration or tampering with the bypass valve 110.

The upstream utility connector 114 can define an upstream utilityconnector passage 214. The meter inlet connector 116 can define a meterinlet connector passage 216. The downstream utility connector 118 candefine a downstream utility connector passage 418 (shown in FIG. 4 ).The meter outlet connector 120 can define a meter outlet connectorpassage 220. In the present aspect, the upstream utility connector 114,the meter inlet connector 116, and the meter outlet connector 120 canrespectively define internally threaded portions 215,217,221 forcoupling the bypass valve 110 to the meter 194 (shown in FIG. 1 ) andthe upstream utility line 190 (shown in FIG. 1 ).

In the present aspect, the downstream utility connector 118 can comprisea coupler 218. The coupler 218 can comprise a threaded collar 222 thatthreadedly engages an externally threaded portion 419 (shown in FIG. 4 )of the downstream utility connector 118. The coupler 218 can comprise athreaded fitting 226 that can be coupled to the threaded collar 222, andthe threaded fitting 226 can define an internally threaded portion 425(shown in FIG. 4 ) for coupling the bypass valve 110 to the downstreamutility line 192 (shown in FIG. 1 ). In some aspects, any or all of theconnectors 114,116,120 can comprise the coupler 218. In some aspects,they downstream utility connector 118 may not comprise the coupler 218.

The passages 214,216,220,418 (passage 418 shown in FIG. 4 ) can connectin fluid communication with a plurality of bores 314,316,318,320 shownin FIG. 3 .

FIG. 3 is a front view of the base 112 of the bypass valve 110 of FIG. 1. The base 112 can define a base cavity 300. The base cavity 300 canextend into the central body portion 122 from the front end 211 to abase sealing surface 312 positioned between the front end 211 and theback end 213 (shown in FIG. 2 ). In the present aspect, the base sealingsurface 312 can define a substantially circular shape. The base sealingsurface 312 can be centered relative to the rotational axis 101, and thebase sealing surface 312 can be substantially perpendicular to therotational axis 101.

The central body portion 122 can define an upstream utility bore 314, ameter inlet bore 316, a downstream utility bore 318, and a meter outletbore 320. Each of the bores 314,316,318,320 can extend through thecentral body portion 122 of the base 112 from the base sealing surface312 to the back end 213 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 ). The upstream utilitybore 314 can intersect the upstream utility connector passage 214 (shownin FIG. 2 ) defined by the upstream utility connector 114. The meterinlet bore 316 can intersect the meter inlet connector passage 216(shown in FIG. 2 ) defined by the meter inlet connector 116. Thedownstream utility bore 318 can intersect the downstream utilityconnector passage 418 (shown in FIG. 4 ) defined by the downstreamutility connector 118. The meter outlet bore 320 can intersect the meteroutlet connector passage 220 (shown in FIG. 2 ) defined by the meteroutlet connector 120. Referring ahead to FIG. 4 , the intersection ofthe upstream utility connector passage 214 with the upstream utilitybore 314 and the intersection of the downstream utility connectorpassage 418 with the downstream utility bore 318 can be seen in FIG. 4 .

Returning to FIG. 3 , the upstream utility bore 314 can define anupstream utility bore axis 315. The meter inlet bore 316 can define ameter inlet bore axis 317. The downstream utility bore 318 can define adownstream utility bore axis 319. The meter outlet bore 320 can define adownstream utility bore axis 321. In the present aspect, the bore axes315,317,319,321 can be parallel to the rotational axis 101 andperpendicular to the base sealing surface 312 (axes 101,315,317,319,321shown extending out of the page). In other aspects, the bores314,316,318,320 can be angled relative to the base sealing surface 312,and the bore axes 315,317,319,321 may not be perpendicular to the basesealing surface 312.

The central body portion 122 can define a plurality of sealing grooves302 a,b,c,d,e, each extending into the base sealing surface 312 towardsthe back end 213 (shown in FIG. 2 ). Sealing grooves 302 a,b,c,d canrespectively encircle bores 314,316,318,320. Sealing groove 302 e canencircle a blind face 322 defined by the base sealing surface 312, whichcan be defined by a solid portion of the central body portion 122,rather than by a bore or opening. Each of the sealing grooves 302a,b,c,d,e can be configured to receive an O-ring 599, as shown in FIG. 5.

The blind face 322 can define a center point 323. As shown, the centerpoint 323 and bore axes 315,317,319,321 can be positioned in a circularpattern 399 centered about the rotational axis 101. As viewed in aclockwise direction with respect to the present viewing angle, bore 316,bore 314, blind face 322, bore 318, and bore 320 can be spaced about60-degrees apart on the circular pattern 399 in the present aspect.Bores 316 and 320 can be spaced about 120-degrees apart on the circularpattern 399. In some aspects, a second blind face (not shown) can bedefined between bores 316,320 and spaced 60-degrees from each bore316,320 on the circular pattern 399.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the base 112 of FIG. 1 , taken alongline 4-4 shown in FIG. 2 . The central body portion 122 of the base 112can define a support ledge 412 within the base cavity 300 between thefront end 211 and the base sealing surface 312. The support ledge 412can define a plurality of fastener holes 430. The support ledge 412 canbe configured to support a lid 590 (shown in FIG. 5 ) of the bypassvalve 110 (shown in FIG. 1 ), and the fastener holes 430 can beconfigured to receive fasteners 598 (shown in FIG. 5 ) to secure the lid590 in place, thereby enclosing the base cavity 300. The central bodyportion 122 can also define a sidewall sealing surface 410 extendingbetween the base sealing surface 312 and the support ledge 412. In thepresent aspect, the sidewall sealing surface 410 can be substantiallycylindrical in shape.

As shown and noted above, the connectors 114,116,118,120 can beintegrally formed with the central body portion 122 of the base 112. Inthe present aspect, the connectors 114,116,118,120 can be formed withand extend outwards from the back end 213 of the central body portion122. In integrally formed aspects, the connectors 114,116,118,120 can atleast partially define the bores 314,316,318,320. In some aspects, theconnectors 114,116,118,120 can be separate components connected to thecentral body portion 122. For example and without limitation, in someaspects, the bores 314,316,318,320 can define a threaded portion at theback end 213, and the connectors 114,116,118,120 can threadedly coupleto the respective bores 314,316,318,320.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective front view of the bypass valve 110 ofFIG. 1 . FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective rear view of the bypass valve110 of FIG. 1 . Each of these Figures is shown exploded along therotational axis 101. These Figures are discussed together below.

As shown, the bypass valve 110 can further comprise an outer O-ring 502(shown in FIG. 5 ), a selector 510, a spring 550, a stub shaft 560, aplurality of fasteners 598, and a plurality of O-rings 599 (shown inFIG. 5 ). In the assembled state shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the selector510 and the spring 550 can be positioned in the base cavity 300 (shownin FIG. 5 ) between the lid 590 and the base sealing surface 312, andthe stub shaft 560 can be positioned at least partially inside the basecavity 300.

The spring 550 can be a wave spring configured to fit around the stubshaft 560. In other aspects, the spring 550 can be a different type ofspring, such as a coil spring or one or more Belleville washers, forexample and without limitation.

The selector 510 can define an O-ring slot 514 (shown in FIG. 5 ) forreceiving the outer O-ring 502. The O-ring slot 514 can becircumferential such that the O-ring slot 514 extends around an outersurface 516 of the selector 510. The outer surface 516 can extendbetween a front surface 518 (shown in FIG. 5 ) of the selector 510,which faces the lid 590, and a selector sealing surface 610 (shown inFIG. 6 ) of the selector 510, which faces the base 112. The outer O-ring502 can form a seal between the outer surface 516 and the sidewallsealing surface 410 (shown in FIG. 5 ) when the selector 510 ispositioned within the base cavity 300. In the present aspect, the frontsurface 518 can be substantially parallel to the selector sealingsurface 610.

The front surface 518 of the selector 510 can define a selector indexingdepression 512. In the present aspect, the selector indexing depression512 can be shaped as a lower-case letter “t” with one leg of thedepression formed longer than the others. The selector indexingdepression 512 can receive a complimentarily-formed first indexing key662 (shown in FIG. 6 ), defined by a rear shaft surface 664 (shown inFIG. 6 ) of the stub shaft 560. The shape of the selector indexingdepression 512 and the first indexing key 662 ensures that the two canonly rotationally index together in one orientation, thereby preventingimproper rotational indexing between the two components.

A front shaft surface 568 (shown in FIG. 5 ) of the stub shaft 560 candefine a second indexing key 562 (shown in FIG. 5 ), opposite from thefirst indexing key 662, which can be configured to engage acomplimentarily-formed selector indexing depression 624 (shown in FIG. 6) of the selector lever 124. Engagement of the second indexing key 562with the selector indexing depression 624 can rotationally fix theselector lever 124 to the stub shaft 560. Engagement of the firstindexing key 662 with the selector indexing depression 512 canrotationally fix the stub shaft 560 to the selector 510. Accordingly,the selector lever 124 can be rotationally fixed to the selector 510,and rotation of the selector lever 124 can selectively reposition theselector 510, the stub shaft 560, and the selector lever 124 between themeter position, the bypass position, and the shutoff position,respectively corresponding to the meter configuration, the bypassconfiguration, and the shutoff configuration discussed above withrespect to FIG. 1-2 .

The stub shaft 560 can extend through a hole 592 (shown in FIG. 5 ) inthe lid 590 to connect the selector 510, positioned within the basecavity 300, with the selector lever 124, positioned external to the basecavity 300. The stub shaft 560 can define a limiting tab 564 (shown inFIG. 5 ), which can extend radially outward from a circumferential outersurface 566 (shown in FIG. 5 ) of the stub shaft 560, with respect tothe rotational axis 101. The hole 592 in the lid 590 can define anenlarged arc 594 (shown in FIG. 5 ), which can receive the limiting tab564. The enlarged arc 594 can define a greater radius with respect tothe rotational axis 101 than the rest of the hole 592. In the presentaspect, the enlarged arc 594 can extend around a 120-degree portion of aperimeter of the hole 592. Engagement between the enlarged arc 594 andthe limiting tab 564 can limit rotation of the stub shaft 560, andthereby the selector 510 and selector lever 124, to travel about andbetween the meter position, the bypass position, and the shutoffposition.

The selector 510 can define a plurality of bores 612,614,616,618,620(shown in FIG. 6 ) extending into the selector sealing surface 610 andtowards the front surface 518. In the present aspect, each of the bores612,614,616,618,620 can be cylindrical in shape. Each bore612,614,616,618,620 can respectively define an axis 611,613,615,617,619,(shown in FIG. 6 ) which can be parallel to the rotational axis 101.

As described below in greater detail with respect to FIGS. 7-9 , thebores 612,614 can be “primary passage bores” or “bores of the primarypassage,” and the bores 616,618,620 can be “secondary passage bores” or“bores of the secondary passage.” When the bypass valve 110 isassembled, each O-ring 599 can fit into a different one of the sealinggrooves 302 a,b,c,d,e (shown in FIG. 3 ), and the O-rings 599 can formseals between the base sealing surface 312 and the selector sealingsurface 610 so that the selector sealing surface 610 can be positionedin sealing engagement with the base sealing surface 312. The selectorsealing surface 610 can be planar, and the selector sealing surface 610can be positioned parallel to the base sealing surface 312 andperpendicular to the rotational axis 101. The base sealing surface 312can be substantially planar with the exception of the sealing grooves302 a,b,c,d,e. In other aspects, the selector sealing surface 610 candefine the sealing grooves 302 a,b,c,d,e, and the O-rings 599 can fitaround the bores 612,614,616,618,620.

The spring 550 can be positioned between the lid 590 and the selector510 to press the selector 510 towards the base sealing surface 312,thereby energizing the seals formed by each O-ring 599. As the selector510 rotates between the meter position, the bypass position, and theshutoff position, the O-rings 599 can selectively connect in fluidcommunication different combinations of the bores 612,614,616,618,620 ofthe selector 510 with the bores 314,316,318,320 (shown in FIG. 3 ) andthe blind face 322 (shown in FIG. 3 ) of the base 112 to route fluidthrough the bypass valve 110 differently in the meter configuration, thebypass configuration, and the shutoff configuration. While rotating theselector 510, the O-rings 599 can seal with the selector sealing surface610 to prevent leakage, such as while transitioning between themetering, bypass, and shutoff positions.

FIGS. 7-9 are cross-sectional views of the utility metering system 100,taken along Line 7-7 shown in FIG. 2 . In FIG. 7 , the bypass valve 110is in the bypass configuration, and the selector 510 is in the bypassposition.

The selector 510 can internally define a primary passage 712 and asecondary passage 714, between the selector sealing surface 610 (shownin FIG. 6 ) and the front surface 518 (shown in FIG. 5 ). In the presentaspect, the passages 712,714 can define circular cross-sections, and thecross-sectional plane taken along Line 7-7 can substantially bisect thepassages 712,714. In other aspects, the passages 712,714 can define adifferent cross-sectional shape, such as oval, square, rectangular, orany other suitable shape.

The primary passage bores 612,614 can connect in fluid communicationwith the primary passage 712. The secondary passage bores 616,618,620can connect in fluid communication with the secondary passage 714. Thepassages 712,714 can be isolated from one another such that they are notconnected in fluid communication with one another within the selector510 itself. The bores 612,614,616,618,620 can also be spaced on thecircular pattern 399 about the rotational axis 101 (shown extending outof the page). Bores 612,614,616,618,620 can each be spaced 60-degreesfrom the nearest adjacent bore, and bores 612 and 620 can be spaced120-degrees about the circular pattern 399. In the present aspect, thepassages 712,714 can be centered around the circular pattern 399 aswell, such that the passages 712,714 can define arcuate shapes; however,in other aspects, the passages 712,714 may not follow the circularpattern 399. For example and without limitation, the primary passage 712may define a straight path between bores 612,614 in some aspects.

In the present aspect, the bypass valve 110 is in the bypassconfiguration, and the selector 510 is in the corresponding bypassposition. In the bypass position, the secondary passage bore 616 canalign with and connect in fluid communication with the upstream utilitybore 314, the secondary passage bore 618 can align with and be sealed bythe blind face 322, and the secondary passage bore 620 can align withand connect in fluid communication with the downstream utility bore 318.

A flow of the fluid is shown through the utility metering system 100 inthe bypass configuration by the flow arrows 701,702,703. The flow arrow701 shows that the fluid can pass from the upstream utility line 190 tothe upstream utility connector 114, through the upstream utilityconnector passage 214 (shown in FIG. 2 ) to the upstream utility bore314. The fluid can then flow from the upstream utility bore 314 into thesecondary passage 714 through secondary passage bore 616. Flow arrow 702then shows that the fluid can pass through the secondary passage 714 tosecondary passage bore 620, passing over secondary passage bore 618,which can be blocked by blind face 322. From the secondary passage bore620, the fluid can then flow into the downstream utility bore 318 andthrough the downstream utility connector passage 418 (shown in FIG. 4 )of the downstream utility connector 118 to the downstream utility line192, as shown by flow arrow 703. In the bypass configuration, no fluidflows through the primary passage 712, and the meter 194 can be bypassedso that no fluid passes through the meter 194. In other words, thesecondary passage 714 can directly connect the upstream utilityconnector 114 in fluid communication with the downstream utilityconnector 118 in the bypass configuration/position.

The primary passage bore 612 is not aligned or connected in fluidcommunication with any of the bores 314,316,318,320 (meter outlet bore320 shown in FIG. 8 ) or the blind face 322. In some aspects, a secondblind face (not shown) may be positioned opposite the rotational axis101 from the blind face 322 so that it would align and seal with theprimary passage bore 612 in the position shown. The primary passage bore614 can align and connect in fluid communication with the meter inletbore 316; however, no fluid flows through the meter 194. The meteroutlet bore 320 (shown in FIG. 8 ) can seal with the selector sealingsurface 610 (shown in FIG. 6 ), which effectively acts as a blindsurface to prevent flow through the meter outlet bore 320.

As shown by the meter inlet bore 316 and the primary passage bore 614,when one of the bore 314,316,318,320 aligns with one of the bores612,614,616,618,620 of the selector 510, the two bores can be coaxialwith one another, as demonstrated by the respective axes 317,613 (eachshown coming out of the page) of the meter inlet bore 316 and theprimary passage bore 614.

The selector 510 can be repositioned from the bypass position to themeter position by rotating the selector lever 124 (shown in FIG. 1 ),the stub shaft 560 (shown in FIG. 5 ), and the selector 510 sixtydegrees about the rotational axis 101 in a clockwise direction withrespect to the present viewing angle. With the selector 510, theselector lever 124, and the stub shaft 560 in the metering position, thebypass valve 110 can be placed in the metering configuration shown inFIG. 8 .

In FIG. 8 , the bypass valve 110 is shown in the meter configuration,and the selector 510 is shown in the corresponding meter position. Inthe meter position, the primary passage bore 614 can align with andconnect in fluid communication with the upstream utility bore 314, andthe primary passage bore 612 can align with and connect in fluidcommunication with the meter inlet bore 316. Additionally, the secondarypassage bore 618 can align and connect in fluid communication with thedownstream utility bore 318, the secondary passage bore 620 can alignand connect in fluid communication with the meter outlet bore 320, andthe secondary passage bore 616 can align with and be sealed by the blindface 322.

A flow of the fluid is shown through the utility metering system 100 inthe metering configuration by the flow arrows 801,802,803,804,805. Theflow arrow 801 shows that the fluid can pass from the upstream utilityline 190 to the upstream utility connector 114, through the upstreamutility connector passage 214 (shown in FIG. 2 ) to the upstream utilitybore 314. The fluid can then flow from the upstream utility bore 314into the primary passage 712 through primary passage bore 614. Flowarrow 802 shows that the fluid can then pass through the primary passage712 from the primary passage bore 614 to the primary passage bore 612,where the fluid can pass into the meter inlet bore 316. Next, flow arrow803 shows that the fluid can pass through the meter inlet connectorpassage 216 (shown in FIG. 2 ) of the meter inlet connector 116 to theinlet 196 of the meter 194, then through the meter 194 to the outlet 198of the meter 194, then through the meter outlet connector passage 221(shown in FIG. 2 ) of the meter outlet connector 120 to the meter outletbore 320. The fluid can enter the secondary passage 714 from the meteroutlet bore 320 through the secondary passage bore 620, where the fluidcan then flow to secondary passage bore 618, and into the downstreamutility bore 318, as shown by flow arrow 804. Flow arrow 804 does notextend to the secondary passage bore 616 because the secondary passagebore 616 can be sealed and blocked by the blind face 322. From thedownstream utility bore 318, the fluid can then flow through thedownstream utility connector passage 418 (shown in FIG. 4 ) of thedownstream utility connector 118 to the downstream utility line 192, asshown by flow arrow 805.

When the fluid passes through the meter 194, the meter 194 can takemeasurements of one or more parameters related to the fluid, the flow ofthe fluid, or both, and values of the parameter(s) can be recorded. Forexample and without limitation, the meter 194 can measure and record aflowrate of the fluid, such as a volumetric flowrate, and an aggregateflow through the meter 194 over a designated time period can also berecorded.

The bypass valve 110 can be placed in the shutoff configuration byrotating the rotating the selector lever 124 (shown in FIG. 1 ), thestub shaft 560 (shown in FIG. 5 ), and the selector 510 sixty degreesabout the rotational axis 101 in a clockwise direction with respect tothe present viewing angle from the metering position to the shutoffposition, as shown in FIG. 9 .

Referring to FIG. 9 , in the shutoff configuration, there is no flowthrough the bypass valve 110 from the upstream utility line 190 to thedownstream utility line 192. Here, rather than showing actual flowthrough the bypass valve 110, the arrows 901,902 only denote whichpassages are connected in fluid communication with the upstream utilityline 190. As shown by arrow 901, the upstream utility line 190 can beconnected in fluid communication with the upstream utility bore 314through the upstream utility connector passage 214 (shown in FIG. 2 ) ofthe upstream utility connector 114. The upstream utility bore 314 can beconnected in fluid communication with the primary passage 712 throughthe primary passage bore 612. As shown by arrow 902, the primary passagebore 614 can be connected in fluid communication with the primarypassage bore 612; however, the primary passage bore 614 can be sealed bythe blind face 322, thereby preventing fluid flow through the primarypassage bore 614, as denoted by the “X”. Accordingly, no fluid actuallyflows into or through the bypass valve 110 in the shutoff configuration,beyond a transient moment after being switched to the shutoffconfiguration wherein pressure of the fluid in the primary passage 712equalizes with pressure of the fluid in the upstream utility line 190.

No fluid flows through the secondary passage 714 in the shutoffconfiguration/position. The secondary passage bore 616 can align andconnect in fluid communication with the downstream utility bore 318. Thesecondary passage bore 618 can align and connect in fluid communicationwith the meter outlet bore 320; however, no fluid flows through themeter 194. The meter inlet bore 316 (shown in FIG. 8 ) can seal with theselector sealing surface 610 (shown in FIG. 6 ), which effectively actsas a blind surface to prevent flow through the meter inlet bore 316. Thesecondary passage bore 620 is not aligned or connected in fluidcommunication with any of the bores 314,316,318,320 (meter inlet bore316 shown in FIG. 8 ) or the blind face 322. As described above, in someaspects, a second blind face (not shown) may be positioned so that itwould align and seal with the secondary passage bore 620 in the positionshown.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another aspect of a bypass valve 1000in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure. The bypassvalve 1000 can comprise a base 1012, a lid 1090, and a selector member1024. In the present aspect, the selector member 1024 can be a selectorknob 1024. The base 1012 can define an upstream utility connector 1014,a meter inlet connector 1016, a downstream utility connector 1018, and ameter outlet connector 1020, each extending outwards from a central bodyportion 1022 of the base 1012.

The downstream utility connector 1018 can define a downstream utilityconnector passage 1019 extending through the downstream utilityconnector 1018, and the upstream utility connector 1014 can define anupstream utility connector passage 1115 (shown in FIG. 11 ) extendingthrough the upstream utility connector 1014. The meter inlet connector1016 can define a meter inlet connector passage 1206 (shown intransparency in FIG. 12 ) extending through the meter inlet connector1016, and the meter outlet connector 1020 can define a meter outletconnector passage 1210 (shown in transparency in FIG. 12 ) extendingthrough the meter inlet connector 1016.

In the present aspect, the connectors 1014,1016,1018,1020 can be hardlines. In some aspects, the connectors 1014,1016,1018,1020 can beintegrally formed with the base 1012. For example and withoutlimitation, the base 1012 can be a casting, and some or all of eachconnector 1014,1016,1018,1020 can be defined by the casting. In someaspects, some or all of the connectors 1014,1016,1018,1020 can compriseone or more pipe or tubing fittings coupled to the base 1012 and/or oneanother to form the respective connectors 1014,1016,1018,1020. In someaspects, some or all of the connectors 1014,1016,1018,1020 can beflexible lines, and those of the connectors 1104,1016,1018,1020 that areflexible can be at least partially defined by a flexible member, such asa hose or soft tubing.

The central body portion 1022 of the base 1012 can define a perimetersurface 1023 extending around the central body portion 1022 between afront end 1011 of the central body portion 1022 and a back end 1013 ofthe central body portion 1022. In the present aspect, the perimetersurface 1023 can define a substantially cylindrical shape. A mountingtab 1030 can extend outwards from the perimeter surface 1023 at the backend 1013, and the mounting tab 1030 can define a mounting hole 1032. Themounting hole 1032 can receive a fastener, such as a bolt or screw, tosecure the bypass valve 1000 to a structure, such as a wall for exampleand without limitation.

The selector knob 1024 can be rotated about a rotational axis 1001relative to the base 1012 to re-route flow of the fluid through thebypass valve 1000. As shown and discussed in greater detail with respectto FIGS. 12-14 , the bypass valve 1000 can be placed in the meterconfiguration (shown), the bypass configuration (as shown in FIG. 13 ),or the shutoff configuration (as shown in FIG. 14 ). Each configurationis selected by placing the selector knob 1024 in a corresponding meterposition (shown), bypass position, or shutoff position, respectively.

The selector knob 1024 can define an indicator arrow 1025, which canindicate the respective position and configuration of the bypass valve1000. The central body portion 1022 can define a plurality of positionindicators 1040 a,b,c extending axially outward from the front end 1011relative to the rotational axis 1001, each of which corresponds to adifferent configuration/position. As shown in the present view, theindicator arrow 1025 is pointing upwards towards position indicator 1040a, which corresponds to the meter position/configuration. The selectorknob 1024 can be rotated clockwise until the indicator arrow 1025 pointsat the position indicator 1040 b, which can correlate to the bypassposition/configuration. The selector knob 1024 can then be rotatedfurther clockwise until the indicator arrow 1025 points at the positionindicator 1040 c, which can correlate to the shutoffposition/configuration.

As discussed in greater detail below, the central body portion 1022 candefine a locking aperture 1042, which can be configured to receive alocking device (not shown) that prevents unauthorized reconfiguration ofthe bypass valve 1000 and/or tampering by preventing rotation of certainparts within the bypass valve 1000 that are shown below in FIG. 11 .

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the bypass valve 1000 of FIG. 10 . Thebypass valve 1000 is shown exploded along the rotational axis 1001. Thebypass valve 1000 can comprise the base 1012, the lid 1090, the selectorknob 1024, a selector 1110, a plurality of O-rings 1198, and an outerseal 1199. In the present aspect, the outer seal 1199 can be an O-ring.

The base 1012 can define a valve cavity 1101 that can extend into thecentral body portion 1022 from the front end 1011 to a base sealingsurface 1112 that can be positioned between the front end 1011 and theback end 1013. The base sealing surface 1112 can be substantially normalto the rotational axis 1001. The central body portion 1022 can define aupstream utility bore 1214 (shown in FIG. 12 ), a meter inlet bore 1216(shown in FIG. 12 ), a downstream utility bore 1118, and a meter outletbore 1120, each extending into the base sealing surface 1112 and throughthe back end 1013 of the central body portion 1022 to respectivelyconnect in fluid communication with the passage defined by therespective connector 1014,1016,1018,1020 (meter outlet connector 1020shown in FIG. 10 ). The base sealing surface 1112 can define an O-ringgroove 1197 around each of the bores 1214,1216,1118,1120 that isconfigured to receive a different O-ring 1198 of the plurality ofO-rings 1198, as demonstrated by the bores 1118,1120.

The selector 1110 can define a front end 1111 and a back end 1113. Theselector 1110 can define a circumferential surface 1108 extendingbetween the front end 1111 and the back end 1113, and thecircumferential surface 1108 can define a substantially cylindricalshape. The selector 1110 can define a plurality of locking recesses 1106a,b,c (locking recesses 1106 b,c, shown in FIG. 14 ) extending radiallyinto the circumferential surface 1108, relative to the rotational axis1001.

When the bypass valve 1000 is assembled, the selector 1110 can bepositioned within the valve cavity 1101 such that the O-rings 1198 eachform a seal between the base sealing surface 1112 and the back end 1113of the selector 1110, which can define a selector sealing surface (notshown). The lid 1090 can be inserted into the valve cavity 1101 to sealthe selector 1110 within the valve cavity 1101. The central body portion1022 can define internal threading 1026 within the valve cavity 1101 andpositioned adjacent to the front end 1011. The internal threading 1026can cooperate with external threading 1094 defined by the lid 1090 tosecure the lid 1090 to the base 1012 and enclose the valve cavity 1101.

The selector 1110 can define a stub shaft 1160 extending outwards fromthe front end 1111 in an axial direction relative to the rotational axis1001. The stub shaft 1160 can extend through a center hole 1092 definedby the lid 1090, and the outer seal 1199 can fit around the stub shaft1160 and be positioned between the front end 1111 of the selector 1110and the lid 1090 to seal the center hole 1092 and the valve cavity 1101.The selector knob 1024 can be mounted on the stub shaft 1160 external tothe valve cavity 1101. The selector knob 1024 can be rotationally fixedto the stub shaft 1160 so that rotation of the selector knob 1024 canrotate the selector 1110 within the valve cavity 1101.

FIGS. 12-14 are front views of a utility metering system 1200 comprisingthe bypass valve 1000 of FIG. 10 , shown in cross-section taken alongLine 12-12 of FIG. 10 , an upstream utility line 1290, a downstreamutility line 1292, and a meter 1294 in accordance with another aspect ofthe present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 12 , the selector 1110 can define a primary passage1222 and a secondary passage 1224 within the selector 1110 between thefront end 1111 (shown in FIG. 11 ) and the back end 1113 (shown in FIG.11 ). The selector 1110 can further define a plurality of bores1232,1234,1236,1238,1240 extending into a selector sealing surface (notshown) at the back end 1113 that intersect the passages 1222,1224. Onedistinction between the bypass valve 1000 and the bypass valve 110(shown in FIG. 1 ) is that two bores 612,614 (shown in FIG. 6 ) canintersect the primary passage 712 (shown in FIG. 7 ), and three bores616,618,620 (shown in FIG. 6 ) can intersect the secondary passage 714(shown in FIG. 7 ) for the bypass valve 110; whereas three bores1232,1234,1236 can intersect the primary passage 1222, and two bores1238,1240 can intersect the secondary passage 1224 for the bypass valve1000.

The bores 1214,1216,1118,1120 of the base 1012 can respectively defineaxes 1213,1215,1217,1219 (shown extending out of the page). The bores1232,1234,1236,1238,1240 of the selector 1110 can respectively definesaxes 1231,1233,1235,1237,1239 (shown extending out of the page). Theaxes 1213,1215,1217,1219,1231,1233,1235,1237,1239 can each besubstantially parallel to the rotational axis 1001 (shown extending outof the page). Additionally, each of the bores1214,1216,1118,1120,1232,1234,1236,1238,1240 can be centered on acircular pattern 1299 centered about the rotational axis 1001, such thateach of the axes 1213,1215,1217,1219,1231,1233,1235,1237,1239 canintersect the circular pattern 1299. Additionally, when bores1214,1216,1118,1120 of the base 1012 align and seal with bores1232,1234,1236,1238,1240 of the selector 1110, the respective axes canbe coaxial with one another as shown.

In FIG. 12 , the bypass valve 1000 can be in the meter configuration,and the selector 1110 can be in the corresponding meter position. A flowof the fluid is shown through the utility metering system 1200 in themeter configuration by the flow arrows 1201,1202,1203,1204,1205. Theflow arrow 1201 shows that the fluid can pass from the upstream utilityline 1290 to the upstream utility connector 1014, through the upstreamutility connector passage 1115 (shown in transparency) to the upstreamutility bore 1214. The fluid can then flow from the upstream utilitybore 1214 into the primary passage 1222 through the primary passage bore1234. Flow arrow 1202 shows that the fluid can then pass through theprimary passage 1222 from the primary passage bore 1234 to the primarypassage bore 1232, where the fluid can pass into the meter inlet bore1216. Next, flow arrow 1203 shows that the fluid can pass through themeter inlet connector passage 1206 (shown in transparency) of the meterinlet connector 1016 to an inlet 1296 of the meter 1294, then throughthe meter 1294 to an outlet 1298 of the meter 1294, then through themeter outlet connector passage 1210 (shown in transparency) of the meteroutlet connector 1020 to the meter outlet bore 1120. The fluid can enterthe secondary passage 1224 from the meter outlet bore 1120 through thesecondary passage bore 1240, where the fluid can then flow to secondarypassage bore 1238, and into the downstream utility bore 1118, as shownby flow arrow 1204. From the downstream utility bore 1118, the fluid canthen flow through the downstream utility connector passage 1019 (shownin transparency) of the downstream utility connector 1018 to thedownstream utility line 1292, as shown by flow arrow 1205.

When the fluid passes through the meter 1294, the meter 1294 can takemeasurements of one or more parameters related to the fluid, the flow ofthe fluid, or both, and values of the parameter(s) can be recorded. Forexample and without limitation, the meter 1294 can measure and record aflowrate of the fluid, such as a volumetric flowrate, and an aggregateflow through the meter 1294 over a designated time period can also berecorded.

By rotating the selector knob 1024 (shown in FIG. 10 ) clockwise sixtydegrees, the bypass valve 1000 can be placed in the bypassconfiguration, with the selector 1110 placed in the corresponding bypassposition, as shown in FIG. 13 .

In the FIG. 13 , the bypass valve 1000 is in the bypass configuration,and the selector 1110 is in the corresponding bypass position. In thebypass position, the primary passage bore 1232 can align with andconnect in fluid communication with the upstream utility bore 1214, andthe primary passage bore 1236 can align with and connect in fluidcommunication with the downstream utility bore 1118. In the presentaspect, the primary passage bore 1234 may not be sealed by the basesealing surface 1112. Instead, because of the sealed nature of the valvecavity 1101 (shown in FIG. 11 ) provided by the outer seal 1199 (shownin FIG. 11 ), some fluid can be allowed to leak between the selector1110 and the base 1012, to the point where pressure equalizes and fluidno longer flows to this space.

A flow of the fluid is shown through the utility metering system 1200 inthe bypass configuration by the flow arrows 1301,1302,1303. The flowarrow 1301 shows that the fluid can pass from the upstream utility line1290 to the upstream utility connector 1014, through the upstreamutility connector passage 1115 (shown in transparency) to the upstreamutility bore 1214. The fluid can then flow from the upstream utilitybore 1214 into the primary passage 1222 through primary passage bore1232. Flow arrow 1302 then shows that the fluid can pass through theprimary passage 1222 to primary passage bore 1236, by passing overprimary passage bore 1234. From the primary passage bore 1236, the fluidcan then flow into the downstream utility bore 1118 and through thedownstream utility connector passage 1019 (shown in transparency) of thedownstream utility connector 1018 to the downstream utility line 1292,as shown by flow arrow 1303. In the bypass configuration, no fluid flowsthrough the secondary passage 1224, and the meter 1294 can be bypassedso that no fluid passes through the meter 1294. In other words, theprimary passage 1222 can directly connect the upstream utility connector1014 in fluid communication with the downstream utility connector 1018in the bypass configuration/position.

In the bypass configuration, the fluid may not flow through thesecondary passage 1224. As shown, the secondary passage bore 1240 is notaligned or connected in fluid communication with any of the bores1214,1216,1118,1120 (meter inlet bore 1216 shown in transparency). Thesecondary passage bore 1238 can align and connect in fluid communicationwith the meter outlet bore 1120; however, no fluid flows through themeter 1294. The meter inlet bore 1216 (shown in transparency) can sealwith the selector sealing surface (not shown) at the back end 1113(shown in FIG. 11 ) of the selector 1110, which effectively acts as ablind surface to prevent flow through the meter inlet bore 1216.

By rotating the selector knob 1024 (shown in FIG. 10 ) clockwise sixtydegrees, the bypass valve 1000 can be placed in the shutoffconfiguration, with the selector 1110 placed in the correspondingshutoff position, as shown in FIG. 14 .

Operation of the bypass valve 1000 in the shutoff configuration candiffer slightly from the operation of the bypass valve 110 of FIG. 1 inthe shutoff configuration, discussed with respect to FIG. 9 . Referringto FIG. 9 , the bypass valve 110 can permit the fluid to enter theprimary passage 712 through alignment and fluid connection of theupstream utility bore 314 with primary passage bore 612, and the flow offluid through the bypass valve 110 can be prevented by the blind face322, which seals with and blocks primary passage bore 614. Returning toFIG. 14 , in the shutoff configuration, fluid cannot enter either theprimary passage 1222 or the secondary passage 1224. Instead, theupstream utility bore 1214 (shown in transparency) can be blocked andsealed by the selector sealing surface (not shown) at the back end 1113(shown in FIG. 11 ) of the selector 1110. Accordingly, because none ofthe bores 1232,1234,1236,1238,1240 align with the upstream utility bore1214, the fluid cannot enter the selector 1110 nor pass through thebypass valve 1000 to the meter 1294 or the downstream utility line 1292.

For reference, in the shutoff configuration, secondary passage bore 1240can align and connect in fluid communication with the meter inlet bore1216. The primary passage bore 1236 can align with and connect in fluidcommunication with meter outlet bore 1120. The primary passage bore 1234can align and connect in fluid communication with the downstream utilitybore 1118.

As referenced above with respect to FIG. 11 , the selector 1110 candefine the plurality of locking recesses 1106 a,b,c. These lockingrecesses 1106 a,b,c can align with the locking aperture 1042, defined bythe base 1012, in the shutoff configuration/position, the bypassconfiguration/position, and the meter configuration/position,respectively. A locking mechanism (not shown), can be inserted into therespective locking recess 1106 a,b,c through the locking aperture 1042to lock the bypass valve 1000 in that configuration. For example, thelocking aperture 1042 can be threaded, and a screw, such as a set screw,with a proprietary head shape could be screwed into the locking aperture1042 and into one of the locking recesses 1106 a,b,c to lock the bypassvalve 1000. As shown, engaging locking recess 1106 a through the lockingaperture 1042 can lock the bypass valve 1000 in the shutoffconfiguration. Engaging locking recess 1106 b through the lockingaperture 1042 can lock the bypass valve 1000 in the bypassconfiguration. Engaging locking recess 1106 c through the lockingaperture 1042 can lock the bypass valve 1100 in the meter configuration.

The bypass valve 110,1000 can facilitate service of meters 194,1294 byallowing a utility company to service or replace the meter 194,1294without substantially disrupting flow of the fluid to a point offconsumption connected to the downstream utility line 192,1292. Forexample and without limitation, the upstream utility line 190,1290 canbe a branch line off a utility main, and the downstream utility line192,1292 can connect to a home, place of business, or otherestablishment. In normal operation, the bypass valve 110,1000 canoperate in the meter configuration, wherein fluid can flow through themeter 194,1294, and the meter 194,1294 can track consumption of thefluid by the respective utility customer. If, for example, the meter194,1294 needs to be replaced or taken out of service for repair, thebypass valve 110,1000 can be switched to the bypass configuration, whichallows the fluid to continue to flow to the point ofconsumption/customer with only a momentary disruption in flow as theselector 510,1110 is rotated. The meter 194,1294 can then beserviced/replaced as needed, and once the meter 194,1294 is operationalagain, the bypass valve 110,1000 can be switched back to the meterconfiguration to resume monitoring the consumption of the fluid. Ifutility service to the point of consumption/customer needs to bediscontinued, such as because of unpaid bills or the customer abandoningthe premises, the bypass valve 110,1000 can be placed in the shutoffconfiguration to stop the flow of fluid to the point ofconsumption/customer.

One should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,”“could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, orotherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intendedto convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments donot include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, suchconditional language is not generally intended to imply that features,elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more particularembodiments or that one or more particular embodiments necessarilyinclude logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting,whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to beperformed in any particular embodiment.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments are merelypossible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clearunderstanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Any processdescriptions or blocks in flow diagrams should be understood asrepresenting modules, segments, or portions of code which include one ormore executable instructions for implementing specific logical functionsor steps in the process, and alternate implementations are included inwhich functions may not be included or executed at all, may be executedout of order from that shown or discussed, including substantiallyconcurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionalityinvolved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the artof the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be madeto the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantiallyfrom the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. Further, thescope of the present disclosure is intended to cover any and allcombinations and sub-combinations of all elements, features, and aspectsdiscussed above. All such modifications and variations are intended tobe included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and allpossible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements orsteps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A bypass valve comprising: a base defininga base sealing surface, the base defining a upstream utility bore, adownstream utility bore, a meter inlet bore, and a meter outlet boreeach extending into the base sealing surface; and a selector defining aselector sealing surface positioned in sealing engagement with the basesealing surface, the selector defining a primary passage and a secondarypassage, the selector defining at least one primary passage boreextending into the selector sealing surface and connecting in fluidcommunication with the primary passage, the selector defining at leastone secondary passage bore extending into the selector sealing surfaceand connecting in fluid communication with the secondary passage, theselector being rotatable relative to the base about and between a meterposition and a bypass position, the selector connecting the upstreamutility bore in fluid communication with the meter inlet bore in themeter position, the selector connecting the upstream utility bore influid communication with the downstream utility bore in the bypassposition.
 2. The bypass valve of claim 1, wherein: the base defines afront end and a back end; a valve cavity extends into the front end ofthe base to the base sealing surface; the base sealing surface ispositioned between the front end and the back end; and the selector ispositioned within the valve cavity with the selector sealing surfacefacing the base sealing surface.
 3. The bypass valve of claim 2, furthercomprising an outer O-ring extending circumferentially around theselector, the outer O-ring forming a seal with a sidewall sealingsurface of the base, the sidewall sealing surface extending between thefront end and the base sealing surface.
 4. The bypass valve of claim 1,wherein: the selector is rotatable relative to the base about arotational axis; and the upstream utility bore defines an axispositioned parallel to the rotational axis.
 5. The bypass valve of claim4, wherein: the at least one primary passage bore defines an axispositioned parallel to the rotational axis; and the at least onesecondary passage bore defines an axis positioned parallel to therotational axis.
 6. The bypass valve of claim 1, further comprising anO-ring positioned around the upstream utility bore and between the basesealing surface and the selector sealing surface, the O-ring selectivelysealing the upstream utility bore in fluid communication with the atleast one primary passage bore or the at least one secondary passagebore.
 7. The bypass valve of claim 1, wherein: the primary passageconnects the upstream utility bore in fluid communication with the meterinlet bore in the meter position; the secondary passage connects thedownstream utility bore in fluid communication with the meter outletbore in the meter position; and the secondary passage connects theupstream utility bore in fluid communication with the downstream utilitybore in the bypass position.
 8. A utility metering system comprising: anupstream utility line; a downstream utility line; a meter comprising ameter inlet and a meter outlet, the meter configured to measure a fluidflow through the meter; and a bypass valve comprising: a base defining abase sealing surface, the base defining a upstream utility bore, adownstream utility bore, a meter inlet bore, and a meter outlet boreeach extending into the base sealing surface, the upstream utility boreconnected in fluid communication with the upstream utility line, thedownstream utility bore connected in fluid communication with thedownstream utility line, the meter inlet bore connected in fluidcommunication with the meter inlet, the meter outlet bore connected influid communication with the meter outlet; and a selector defining aselector sealing surface positioned in sealing engagement with the basesealing surface, the selector defining a primary passage and a secondarypassage, the selector defining at least one primary passage boreextending into the selector sealing surface and connecting in fluidcommunication with the primary passage, the selector defining at leastone secondary passage bore extending into the selector sealing surfaceand connecting in fluid communication with the secondary passage, theselector being rotatable relative to the base about and between a meterposition and a bypass position, the selector connecting the upstreamutility bore in fluid communication with the meter inlet bore in themeter position, the selector connecting the upstream utility bore influid communication with the downstream utility bore in the bypassposition.
 9. The utility metering system of claim 8, wherein: theprimary passage connects the upstream utility bore in fluidcommunication with the meter inlet bore in the meter position; thesecondary passage connects the downstream utility bore in fluidcommunication with the meter outlet bore in the meter position; and thesecondary passage connects the upstream utility bore in fluidcommunication with the downstream utility bore in the bypass position.10. The utility metering system of claim 8, wherein the at least oneprimary passage bore comprises two primary passage bores, and whereinthe at least one secondary passage bore comprises three secondarypassage bores.
 11. The utility metering system of claim 8, wherein: theselector is rotatable relative to the base about a rotational axis; andthe upstream utility bore defines an axis positioned parallel to therotational axis.
 12. The utility metering system of claim 11, wherein:the at least one primary passage bore defines an axis positionedparallel to the rotational axis; and the at least one secondary passagebore defines an axis positioned parallel to the rotational axis.
 13. Theutility metering system of claim 8, wherein the selector sealing surfaceis planar, and wherein the base sealing surface is parallel to theselector sealing surface.
 14. The utility metering system of claim 8,wherein a continuous fluid path is formed when the selector is in themetering position which extends: from the upstream utility line throughthe upstream utility bore to the primary passage; through the primarypassage from the upstream utility bore to the meter inlet bore; from themeter inlet bore to the meter inlet; through the meter from the meterinlet to the meter outlet; from the meter outlet to the meter outletbore; from the meter outlet bore through the secondary passage to thedownstream utility bore; and from the downstream utility bore to thedownstream utility line.
 15. A method for routing a fluid flow through autility metering system comprising: positioning a selector of a bypassvalve in a metering position, an upstream utility line of the utilitymetering system connected in fluid communication with an upstreamutility bore defined by a base of the bypass valve, a downstream utilityline of the utility metering system connected in fluid communicationwith a downstream utility bore defined by the base, a meter inlet of ameter of the utility metering system connected in fluid communicationwith a meter inlet bore defined by the base, a meter outlet of the meterof the utility metering system connected in fluid communication with ameter outlet bore defined by the base, the selector defining a primarypassage and a secondary passage, the primary passage connecting theupstream utility bore in fluid communication with the meter inlet borein the metering position, the secondary passage connecting thedownstream utility bore in fluid communication with the meter outletbore in the metering position, a fluid flow passing from the upstreamutility line through the meter to the downstream utility line in themetering position; and rotating the selector relative to the base toposition the selector in a bypass position, the secondary passageconnecting the upstream utility bore in fluid communication with thedownstream utility bore in the bypass position, the fluid flow passingfrom the upstream utility bore to the downstream utility bore andbypassing the meter in the bypass position.
 16. The method of claim 15,wherein rotating the selector relative to the base to position theselector in the bypass position comprises rotating the selector about arotational axis, and wherein the upstream utility bore defines an axispositioned parallel to the rotational axis.
 17. The method of claim 15,further comprising rotating the selector relative to the base toposition the selector in a shutoff position, the bypass valve blockingthe fluid flow of the upstream utility bore from reaching the meter andthe downstream utility bore in the shutoff position.
 18. The method ofclaim 15, wherein: the base defines a base sealing surface; the upstreamutility bore, the downstream utility bore, the meter inlet bore, and themeter outlet bore each extend into the base sealing surface; theselector defines a selector sealing surface; the selector defines atleast one primary passage bore extending into the selector sealingsurface and connecting in fluid communication with the primary passage;the selector defines at least one secondary passage bore extending intothe selector sealing surface and connecting in fluid communication withthe secondary passage; and the base sealing surface is positioned insealing engagement with the selector sealing surface.
 19. The method ofclaim 18, wherein the selector sealing surface is planar, and whereinthe base sealing surface is parallel to the selector sealing surface.20. The method of claim 18, wherein an O-ring extends around theupstream utility bore, and wherein the O-ring forms a seal between thebase sealing surface and the selector sealing surface.
 21. The method ofclaim 15, further comprising removing the meter from the bypass valvewith the selector in the bypass position.